August 10, 2017

7 Things To Do in PEI

An island small in size, big on fun

Prince Edward Island may be Canada’s smallest province, but it’s big on fun, and packed full of adventures and exciting things to do, both for first-time guests and for visitors who keep coming back, year after year. When planning your PEI vacation, you’ll find plenty to keep you busy, whether it’s for a quick weekend getaway, or a lingering stay of a week or more. Here are just seven of the many things to do in PEI.

Cavendish Beach

Looking for a beautiful beach getaway? Look no further than the soft white sands of Cavendish Beach. You may think being pretty far north in the Atlantic that the ocean would be too cold to swim in, but the gulf stream warms the waters to a comfortable temperature. Beyond the beach, from a beautiful boardwalk to amusement rides there’s lots more fun to be had in the area for the whole family.

Eat Seafood

PEI is justifiably famous for its potatoes, but the Island is also home to an abundance of sweet, fresh seafood, available all year round. In the winter, enjoy world-famous mussels and briny oysters. Bar clams become available in the spring. In the summer and fall, you’ll find everything from lobster to scallops, mackerel, halibut, and Quahaug clams. Lobster Suppers are popular with locals and visitors alike, it’s a fun way to enjoy the local delicacy. Pro tip: it’s best to wear the provided bib.

Anne of Green Gables: The Musical

Lucy Maude Montgomery’s beloved novel Anne of Green Gables was turned into a musical in 1965, and it’s been running ever since. It’s even gained a Guinness World Record as the longest running annual musical theatre production in the world. Catching a performance is not something you’ll want to miss when you’re on the Island. Watch Anne Shirley and Gilbert Blythe be brought to life, seasonally (June-September) at the Confederation Centre of the Arts, in Charlottetown.

The Lighthouses

Built to guide sailors and keep them safe on the seas, lighthouses dot the landscape of Prince Edward Island. Modern day technology may have removed the need for lighthouses, but more than two dozen still remain along the Island’s red shores, including the Wood Islands lighthouse which sits next to the Northumberland Ferry docks. Make a day of it and see how many you can visit. Many of the lighthouses are also geocache locations, adding to the fun.

Confederation Trail

The Confederation Trail is a bona fide hit with outdoor enthusiasts. The province turned the old train tracks into a walking and biking trail that connects the Island, tip to tip. Consisting of 435 kilometres, many hikers and bikers make a complete vacation out of the Confederation Trail, but it’s also worth visiting for a short stroll or picnic.

Golf

PEI is a dream destination for golfers of all skill levels. In addition to the many family-friendly mini putts, the Island is home to more than 25 golf courses. You’ll find the 18-hole Andersons Creek Golf Club near Stanley Bridge, the 9-hole Strathgartney Highlands Golf Course in Red Sands Shore and a host of other inviting courses in-between.

Attend a Festival

From the cowboy boots and country tunes of the Cavendish Beach Music Festival to the colourful Gold Cup Parade floats during Old Home Week, PEI hosts a rousing roster of festivals and events all year long. Other favourites include: The Festival of Small Halls, The International Shellfish Festival, the Jack Frost Children’s Festival and the Indian River Festival, just to name a few. Discover if there are any festivals or events taking place during your visit.

Ready to experience all of these wonderful things? Book your passage on Northumberland Ferries!